Kylian Mbappe did not play outstandingly in PSG’s 2-0 victory over Dortmund. However, the opening goal for the home team from a successful penalty kick marked memorable milestones for the 24-year-old striker at Europe’s No. 1 playground.
When PSG fell into a deadlock, attacking a lot but unable to penetrate Dortmund’s defense, Mbappe spoke up. Right at the beginning of the second half, his shot caused the ball to touch Niklas Sule’s hand and PSG received a penalty kick. This 24-year-old superstar coolly shot into the far corner of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s goal, breaking the deadlock for the home team at Parc des Princes.
This goal also helped Mbappe have his 7th consecutive season scoring for PSG in the Champions League, equaling the record held by Edinson Cavani. However, Mbappe is still the number 1 scorer in PSG history and PSG’s number 1 scorer in the Champions League, with 35 goals.
And, with 35 goals for PSG, Mbappe also equaled the number of goals scored by Thierry Henry for Arsenal in the Champions League. Only Karim Benzema is a French player who has scored more goals than Kyky and Titi for a team at the most prestigious stadium in Europe. Big Benz scored 75 goals for Real in the Champions League.
If including goals for Monaco, Mbappe has 41 goals in the Champions League and is the third highest scoring French player in this playground, after Benzema (90 goals) and Henry (52 goals). In addition, the goal against Dortmund also helped the French super striker have his 16th consecutive match in which he contributed to the home team’s goals (scoring or assisting), equaling the record of Neymar and Robert Lewandowski.
“Record hunting is also very good. But the important thing is that PSG wins. Before the match against Dortmund, we were under a lot of pressure. That’s why the Parc des Princes public was unhappy and continuously booed and whistled at us in the first half. However, I’m very happy because we finally won the first 3 points. This is extremely important when we fall into the group of death,” Mbappe said after the match.
Mbappe’s performance against Dortmund was only given an average score by the French daily newspaper (5), while Vitinha and Hakimi, who had an extremely beautiful one-two combination in the penalty area in the goal that set the score, 2-0 for PSG, it was the most impressive players.
Mbappe is not highly appreciated by L’Equipe because in this match there were many hasty and rash moves such as the ones facing goalkeeper Kobel in minutes 32, 90+1, 90+4; or missed goals in the 53rd and 57th minutes. This is not the same as the usual calm, cool playing style of the 24-year-old super striker.
However, coach Luis Enrique is personally satisfied with Mbappe’s current form. The Spanish coach admitted that the French striker played normally against Dortmund but scored the goal to break the deadlock. And, that is the quality of a star.
“Don’t forget Kylian missed the training period and pre-season friendlies. He didn’t even play the first match and a half of the new season. However, what Kylian is doing is undeniable. He is always a shining star, in every situation.
For me personally, Kylian is the best player in the world today. But more than his technical qualities, what impressed me more was his human nature. So happy to have him in the dressing room. He is a leader who always smiles and brings positive energy,” the Spanish coach said about his student after the 2-0 victory over Dortmund.
Thus, in a career of 62 matches in the Champions League, Mbappe scored 41 goals, made 22 assists, and on average contributed to 1 goal every 78 minutes. And, remember, he is only 24 years old.